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Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Jen Paleracio
Simple to make and irresistibly delicious.
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Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Italian

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheet, approximately 9x13 inches
  • Parchment paper
  • Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
  • Pastry brush

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (110ºF/45ºC)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions
 

  • ACTIVE YEAST: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
  • MAKE THE DOUGH: Add the flour, 1/4 cup olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to combine the ingredients.
  • KNEAD THE DOUGH: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  • FIRST RISE: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
  • PREPARE THE BAKING SHEET: Line a 9x13 inch baking sheet with parchment paper and drizzle olive oil generously over it, ensuring the entire surface is coated to prevent sticking and create a crispy crust.
  • SHAPE THE DOUGH: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air bubbles. Turn it out onto the prepared baking sheet and gently stretch and press it into a rectangle or the shape of the sheet, about 1/2 inch thick.
  • SECOND RISE: Cover the dough lightly with a cloth and let it rest for another 20-30 minutes.
  • PREHEAT THE OVEN: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • ADD TOPPINGS: Using your fingers, create dimples all over the dough's surface. Drizzle with additional olive oil and sprinkle with fresh rosemary, halved cherry tomatoes, and coarse sea salt.
  • BAKE THE FOCACCIA: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown.
  • COOL AND SERVE: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Cut into squares or strips and serve warm or at room temperature.
Keyword active dry yeast, all-purpose flour, baked, cherry tomatoes, coarse sea salt, dimples, fresh rosemary, knead, olive oil, rise, salt, serve fresh, sugar, warm water